Rutgers student hospitalized with bacterial meningitis

This micrograph depicts the presence of aerobic Gram-negative Neisseria meningitidis diplococcal bacteria (CDC.gov)

Officials say a Rutgers University student is being treated for bacterial meningitis.

The university told students and staff in an alert on Monday that the student was hospitalized on Friday. Those who may have come in contact with the student are being notified so they can obtain a preventative round of antibiotics.

The student wasn't immediately identified.

Bacterial meningitis is typically more severe than viral meningitis. Both cause inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.